A significant development in Pembrokeshire’s agricultural sector has been confirmed, as plans for a new heifer accommodation building at Langdon Mill Farm received approval. The farm, one of the largest dairy operations in the region, currently supports a milking herd of approximately 2,000 cows.
The approval was granted during the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, following an application submitted by Hugh James of Langdon Mill Farms Ltd. The proposal includes the construction of a 160-metre-long heifer accommodation building, a slurry separation and dewatering facility, and associated yard areas at the 1,215-hectare farm, located near Jeffreyston, Kilgetty.
Investment in Infrastructure
A statement from Reading Agricultural Consultants, the agents for the application, highlighted the farm’s ongoing commitment to improving its facilities. The statement noted that the milking herd is predominantly housed indoors throughout the year, while dry cows and heifers are allowed outdoor grazing when conditions permit. Over the last decade, Langdon Mill Farm has invested heavily in infrastructure, enhancing cattle accommodation, slurry storage, and milking facilities, including an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant and feed storage.
Recent approvals for a calf accommodation building are nearly complete, illustrating the farm’s continuous development. The current operation achieves impressive yields of more than 10,000 litres per cow per year, with cows being milked three times daily in a 60-point rotary parlour. The farm employs 21 full-time and three part-time staff, of whom four reside on the premises.
Focus on Breeding and Genetics
In a bid to enhance herd genetics and mitigate the risk of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), Langdon Mill Farm has shifted from purchasing heifers to breeding most of its own replacements. The proposed heifer accommodation will cater to animals aged 7 to 22 months, strategically positioned to facilitate movement between adjacent calf and weaned calf buildings as the heifers mature.
The planning committee unanimously endorsed the application, granting delegated authority to the interim head of planning to finalize approval following a habitats regulations assessment. A report released on February 5, 2024, indicated that Natural Resources Wales had received the assessment and confirmed that, with the proposed mitigation measures and no increase in stock, the project would not adversely affect the integrity of the Special Areas of Conservation sites.
With formal delegated approval now in place, Langdon Mill Farm is set to advance its operations further, showcasing its dedication to sustainable practices and continued growth in the dairy sector. For those interested in public planning notices, the publicnoticesportal.uk offers a centralized platform to stay updated on statutory requirements and local authority announcements.
